Chronic Disease

Introduction: Why Chronic Diseases Demand a Different Kind of Care

Chronic diseases—long-lasting, often preventable conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory disorders—now cause 70–75% of all deaths globally en.wikipedia.org. In the U.S., they account for a similar share, with heart disease, cancer, and stroke among the top killers nationalhealthcouncil.org.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we treat chronic disease through an integrative lens—addressing the mechanics behind the conditions, not just managing symptoms.

What Are Chronic Diseases?

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are long-term health conditions typically linked to lifestyle, genetics, environment, and metabolic factors. Major types include:

  • Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, stroke)
  • Cancer
  • Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma)
  • Diabetes

These four account for nearly 80% of early NCD deaths worldwide.

The Mortality Numbers
  • Globally: Chronic diseases cause roughly 41 million deaths per year, representing ~74–75% of all deaths
  • United States: Chronic conditions are responsible for about 70% of deaths
  • LMICs: Over 85% of NCD deaths under age 70 occur in lower- and middle-income countries

Why This Matters
  • High global burden: NCD prevalence is rising, driven by aging, urban lifestyles, and environmental factors.
  • Early mortality: Around 18 million people die from NCDs before age 70, mostly in developing countries
  • Preventable risk: Up to 80% of NCDs are avoidable, linked to smoking, poor diet, inactivity, alcohol, and pollution .
  • Economic strain: In the U.S., 90% of healthcare spending goes toward chronic disease care
 

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease:

Root Causes & Contributing Factors

From a functional medicine standpoint, chronic disease arises from:

  • Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Hormonal imbalances (insulin, cortisol, thyroid)
  • Gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability
  • Toxin overload (heavy metals, pollutants)
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction impairing cellular energy
  • Lifestyle factors: processed food, sedentary behavior, stress, sleep issues

Diagnostic Testing We Use at Patients Medical

We go deeper to uncover underlying dysfunction:

Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‑6)

Hormone profiling (insulin, cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones)

Gut health panels (microbiome, zonulin, pathogens)

Detoxification and toxin exposure tests (heavy metals, VOCs)

Mitochondrial assays and oxidative stress markers

Cardiometabolic panels (lipids, glucose, HOMA-IR)

Integrative Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Anti‑inflammatory Nutrition

  • Emphasize whole, plant-rich foods, healthy fats
  • Eliminate processed/refined foods and sugar
  • Support liver and gut health with fermented foods, prebiotics

Targeted Supplementation & Nutraceuticals

  • Omega‑3s, curcumin, polyphenols
  • Berberine, lipoic acid, magnesium, B-complex

Detoxification & IV Support

  • Glutathione, vitamin C, trace minerals
  • Intermittent fasting and liver-support protocols

Stress Management & Lifestyle

  • Mindfulness, meditation, acupuncture
  • Movement: strength training, yoga, walking

Hormone & Metabolic Rebalancing

  • Low-dose bioidentical hormones, thyroid support, adrenal adaptogens.

Sleep & Circadian Health

  • Sleep hygiene, light therapy, meditation

Real Patient Case: Sam's Chronic Disease Reversal

Sam, 55, struggled with hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes, and fatigue. Traditional meds stabilized numbers, but he still felt unwell.

Testing revealed inflammation, insulin resistance, gut imbalance, stress, and toxin exposure. Over six months, an integrative strategy—anti-inflammatory eating, supplements, IVs, movement, mindfulness, hormone balance—achieved:

  • Normalized blood pressure and lipids
  • Reversal of prediabetes (A1C down from 6.1 to 5.4)
  • Increased energy and reduced medication need

 

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Often yes—especially when detected early. With targeted integrative care, patients frequently lower risk and reverse disease markers.

Medications can be part of care, but our goal is to complement or reduce reliance through root-cause treatment.

 Individualized plans typically span 6 to 12 months, depending on conditions and lifestyle factors.

 We’re out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some labs may be covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment